Woodhead Publishing Durability of Concrete and Cement Composites (Woodhead Publishing Series in Civil and Structural Engineering)

Concrete and other cement-based composites are by far the most widely used man-made construction materials in the world. However major problems of infrastructure deterioration have been caused by unanticipated premature degradation of these materials. This book provides a recent review of several of the main forms of degradation, examining what is known about their causes and control. Trends in modelling and prediction of service-lives are also examined. Key Features: analyses a range of materials such as reinforced steel in concrete, pre-stressed concrete and cement composites; discusses key degradation phenomena such as cracking processes and the impact of cold weather conditions; a standard reference for those concerned with improving the service life of structures using concrete and cement based composites. Contents: Physical and chemical characteristics of cement composites; Dimensional stability and cracking processes in concrete; Chemical degradation of concrete; Corrosion and protection of reinforced steel in concrete; Degradation of pre-stressed concrete; Concrete aggregates and the durability of concrete; Degradation of concrete in cold weather conditions; Degradation of fibre-reinforced cement composites; Degradation of polymer-cement composites.